Grand Theft Auto V is easily Rockstar’s most ambitious game to date. Not only will there be three playable characters in the game’s campaign, but the size of the world is gigantic. However, even though the game will eventually feature the three playable characters, the feature won’t be accessible on startup.

“We want to give the player the opportunity to get to know the three characters individually, and explore the world as each of them, and it would not have been possible if all three had been available from the start,” Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies told Jeuxactu.com.

Benzies also noted something different about Grand Theft Auto V’s characters: they’ve already been living in the area. Niko, Tommy Vercetti, and CJ were all either newcomers to the regions or returned after a lengthy absence.

“They already have contacts, they are integrated with the world and lead a busy life – these characteristics should give players a sense of immediate and total immersion.”

Continuing to make comparisons to past GTA titles, Benzies noted that the game’s pace is much faster. “Today, we want to surprise people with very intense missions from the start,” he said. “The pace of the game is much faster than any of its predecessors.”